Simple Sagnac

Here's a (relatively) simple view of the Sagnac effect:

http://www.physicsinsights.org/sagnac_1.html

I tried to cut through the fog of algebra that often obscures web pages
that talk about the Sagnac effect: The math on the page includes nothing
harder than a Lorentz transform, and no messy integrals. In fact, the
Sagnac effect is pretty simple if one avoids getting bogged down in the
details of the rotation.

Unlike Eugene and Wittke I don't claim this page contains earth-shattering
new physics, nor that it displays such blinding brilliance on my part that
you should wear sunglasses while reading it, but none the less some might
find it worthwhile. If you don't understand the Sagnac effect, take a
look at it; maybe my point of view will help.

And the effect certainly seems to put paid to ballistic theory, as Paul
Andersen has been saying for ages and ages (though I never quite
understood what he meant until I worked it out for myself).

Comments welcome, of course!


--
Nospam becomes physicsinsights to fix the email
I can be also contacted through http://www.physicsinsights.org

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Simple Sagnac
    ... > I tried to cut through the fog of algebra that often obscures web pages ... > that talk about the Sagnac effect: The math on the page includes nothing ... > new physics, nor that it displays such blinding brilliance on my part that ...
    (sci.physics.relativity)
  • Re: Simple Sagnac
    ... | I tried to cut through the fog of algebra that often obscures web ... | that talk about the Sagnac effect: The math on the page includes ...
    (sci.physics.relativity)
  • Re: Simple Sagnac
    ... > I tried to cut through the fog of algebra that often obscures web pages ... > that talk about the Sagnac effect: The math on the page includes nothing ... Rocket scientists don't use relativity, ...
    (sci.physics.relativity)